Valentina Perissi has made a mark in the fashion industry by combining her Italian roots with her passion for design and entrepreneurship, launching her own label and management company.
Valentina Perissi has emerged as a significant figure in the fashion industry through her remarkable journey from Italy to the United States. Discovered at a young age for her exceptional talent in fashion design, she secured a position with the renowned fashion house Roberto Cavalli, where she honed her skills for a decade. Her expertise attracted the attention of American designers, leading her to work alongside Kimora Lee Simmons in New York City on her brands, KLS and Baby Phat.
Over the past twelve years, Perissi has collaborated with various prominent names in fashion, including Ramy Brook, Jessica Simpson, Patricia Field for Art Basel Miami, and Roc Nation. The experience she gained from these partnerships inspired her to establish her own fashion management company, Perissi Management, aimed at empowering emerging brands in the industry. “After years working with established fashion houses, I founded Perissi Management to help young brands grow and establish their presence in the industry. I assist with everything from designs and sales to brand management and merchandising,” Perissi explained. She emphasizes the significance of creativity and personal storytelling in fashion, promoting events like trunk shows and pop-ups to help brands connect with their audiences.
In addition to her management company, Perissi has launched her own line, DAFNE Italy, named after her middle name. This collection, which she describes as “wearable art,” blends her passions for art and fashion, featuring hand-painted leather jackets, bags, jewelry, and clothing, all crafted in Italy. Perissi described her vision, stating, “I’ve always wanted to create something unique. The fashion industry can feel saturated, so I decided to blend my two passions: art and fashion.” She aims to design pieces that empower individuals, likening her clothing to “modern-day wizards wearing their armor,” and has attracted a clientele that includes numerous celebrities and business leaders due to the unique, customizable nature of her creations.
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial spirit, Perissi recounted her journey to landing an internship with Cavalli during her freshman year in college. “I was already designing for Cavalli in my head and building a portfolio inspired by his work… One night, I went to a big fashion party wearing my creations. Two people approached me… when I said, ‘I made it,’ they immediately invited me to meet with their company. That company turned out to be Roberto Cavalli,” she shared. This serendipitous encounter led to her full-time position, where she eventually became a creative director.
Perissi’s affection for New York City dates back to her childhood visits, which left a lasting impact on her. “The city had such an impression that I promised myself I’d live here one day,” she said, emphasizing the personal connection she feels to the city. Her work has intertwined Italian fashion with New York culture, culminating in a full-circle moment when Patricia Field styled the iconic characters of “Sex and the City,” with designs she created for Cavalli often featured in the show.
Through her endeavors in fashion management and her own clothing line, Valentina Perissi continues to influence the landscape of the fashion industry, blending her rich Italian heritage with contemporary American style.
Source: Noah Wire Services
